Concerts from Kendrick Lamar aren’t just a collection of hits for two hours. From the set design to the songs, he chooses for a setlist that requires psychological examination and leaves interpretation to his audience. In “To Be Damned in America” a hypothetical three-act stadium tour imagined by IDKYETMEDIA, Lamar’s music catalog becomes a narrative about what liberation looks like, and the cost of that with the world being the enemy on the biggest stage.
The proposed show divides his career into chapters instead of eras that most artist choose to cater to. Act Ⅰ faces the concepts of identity, race, power, and surveillance. Act Ⅱ tackles the negatives of ego and how power can lead to isolation, causing guilt and an eventual psychological collapse. Act Ⅲ is the result of an ego death, with him stepping away from his savior status and finally healing. The encore ends on high note providing the audience with a display of how dominant Kendrick is in the rap scene still.
This isn’t just a regular playlist. This is experience that takes two decades of work from Lamar into a deep, theatrical statement about America, and status.
ACT Ⅰ- America Watches
Summary
The opening act starts the experience introducing Kendrick as a national figure that’s constantly under the public eye. His identity as a celebrity, black man, and his morals are all being questioned causing internal pressures as he’s battling to respond to America’s expectation before temptation sneaks into the picture.
Setlist
- DNA.
- King Kunta
- ELEMENT
- N95
- The Heart Part 5
- Alright
- For Sale? (Interlude)
Why These Songs Matter
This arrangement of songs moves from public dominance to soul-searching. “DNA.” frames the conflict of the story. “King Kunta” is him claiming his spot on the throne. “N95” him tearing the crown that holds his power or status. “For Sale?” ends the chapter with the temptations that’s always been looking to claim him.
What I want to happen during this act
- The crowd all singing “alright” in unison.
- The lights turning off before “For Sale?” comes on.
Act Ⅱ-The Fall of Man
Summary
After accepting the role that was given to him from America, Kendrick immerses himself in the wealth and power he accumulated. What once was dominance transforms into a wave of paranoia, isolation, and internal warfare.
Setlist
- Hey Now
- Good Credit
- Like That
- FEEL.
- PRIDE.
- u
Why These Songs Matter
“Like That” is the peak representation of boastfulness. “FEEL.” is the signal of isolation. “PRIDE.” questions his morality and spirituality. “u” ends the tide with it serving as his breakdown and ultimately his ego death.
What I want to happen during this act
- I want the arena to be dark with a solo dim light on Kendrick
- Mirrors should break.
- Kendrick should also look visibly different (outfit change?).
Act Ⅲ-Redemption Without Illusion
Summary
The third act is where Kendrick stops fighting the voices and the world. He now is facing a decision that affects his path moving forward. He is now renewing himself in front of the audience and shedding the status he once held previously.
Setlist
- Man at the Garden
- Crown
- Luther
- Die Hard
- LOYALTY.
Why These Songs Matter
This the first steps after a long fall from grace. “Man at the Garden” is a demonstration of him taking accountability. “Die Hard” embraces the journey he’s been on. “LOYALTY.” closes his mental war by focusing his energy on the relationship he’s built instead of the dominance that was damaging him.
What I want to happen during this act
- I want warmer tones lighting wise.
- I want the stage to be bare which is similar to his stage of renewal.
ENCORE-Legendary
Summary
Control only happens when humility and accountability take place. The encore is the high for the audience and serves as Lamar’s victory lap. Kendrick is showing that he has power no one else possesses.
Encore Set
- HUMBLE.
- 30 for 30 Freestyle
- TV Off
- Not Like Us
Why It Ends Here
The encore is Kendrick not going back and forth with the powers that be but commanding the room. It’s similar to Act Ⅰ but this is more of controlled chaos.
(LINKS TO PLAYLIST BELOW)
What Song would you like to see in the setlist? What songs would you replace?
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